Ivory (Yiqing) Xiang, MMT, MT-BC, MTA, RP
* Registered Psychotherapist /CRPO
* Certified Music Therapist / Canadian Music Therapy Association
* Master of Music Therapy / Temple University (USA)
My journey into the mental health field began in 2021 after I completed my master’s degree in Music Therapy at Temple University (USA). This intensive three-year program trained me to work clinically with a wide range of populations—including those in developmental, mental health, and medical care settings—through 1,200 hours of clinical internship and a comprehensive research experience.
As someone with a background in music therapy, I experienced a transformative shift in how I connect with music. It became a way to explore deep emotional expression and foster connection. During my clinical training, I learned to approach music as a powerful instrument for healing and personal growth, which ignited my passion for supporting others.
I’m a Registered Psychotherapist and Certified Music Therapist with over 4 years of experience supporting autistic/autism teens and adults through individual and family therapy. My approach is neurodiversity-affirming and trauma-informed, incorporating bottom-up approaches to explore the roots of emotional distress and behavioral challenges, support nervous system regulation, unpack emotional burdens and numbness, and foster self-acceptance. Together, we explore emotional and behavioral patterns, underlying needs, and the experiences that shape them. I support clients navigating hypervigilance, shame, emotional numbness, substance use and behavioral addictions, Borderline Personality Disorder, and complex family dynamics.
My therapy style is warm and can also be appropriately challenging. I sometimes integrate art, games, and music to help clients engage more adaptively in verbal conversation. I am passionate about providing a non-judgmental space where individuals feel heard and seen, fostering accessibility to their emotions and experiences, and supporting clients in finding meaning and growth within their lived experience.
I’m fluent in English and Mandarin.
Modalities & Approach
🌟Emotionally-Focused Therapy & Attachment Theory (Primary Approach)
🌟Internal Family System Informed (Primary Approach)
🌟Music Psychotherapy
🌟Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
🌟Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, including CBT for Trauma, and CBT for Anxiety
“My approach is grounded in evidence-based psychotherapy and is flexible and responsive to each individual. I draw from multiple therapeutic approaches based on developmental stage, cultural context, values, and goals—using CBT and ACT to support practical skill-building, and EFT and IFS (parts work) to facilitate deeper emotional exploration and meaningful change.”
Clinical Training
*Emotionally-Focused Therapy: Attachment Theory (Psychwire | Dr. Sue Johnson)
*Emotionally-Focused Therapy for Individuals Essentials (Dr. Leanne Campbell & Robin Blake Williams)
*Emotionally-Focused Therapy for Family (Gail Palmer & Kathryn De Bruin)
*Ongoing individual and group EFT & IFS focused supervision
*Internal Family System Open Circle (IFS Institute)
*An IFS Approach to Protector Parts (Richard Schwartz, PhD）
*Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (Psychwire/Russ Harris)
*Level I & II: Fundamentals of CBT & CBT for Trauma (Wilfrid Laurier)
*CBT and Anxiety (Beck Institute)
*Neurodiversity-Affirming Care for Autistic Clients (Tasha Oswald, PhD)
*DBT Foundations (Psychwire/ Dr. Marsha Linehan)
*Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Strategies for Supporting (CTRI)
*Adolescent Brain Development (CTRI)
“I believe that psychotherapy is a journey of self-growth that supports an individual’s existential living, continuously growing through their experience and actively creating their lives.”
My Story & Experience Working with the Neurodivergent Community:
Ivory is neurotypical and approaches her work with humility, curiosity, and critical thinking, actively learning from the lived experiences and perspectives of the Autistic and ADHD communities. Since 2017, she has volunteered with children with disabilities, supporting them in completing art and game-based activities.
Throughout her clinical training at Temple University, Ivory has worked with Autistic children, youth, and adults across a wide range of settings. In 2022, she further deepened her hands-on experience while working with Jona Shook, owner of Infinity Music Therapy and a parent of an Autistic child.
As a therapist, how will my personal background help me understand your experience?
As a first-generation immigrant, Ivory deeply understands how cultural factors influence personal, relational, intergenerational, and systemic aspects of the human experience.
Ivory is a musician and loves oil pastel painting, and she uses creative arts for self-care. She learned piano at a young age and later learned to play guitar. Outside of work, Ivory enjoys tennis, hyrox, and hiking with her boxer puppy, Tatum.
